The cost of living in Israel has been skyrocketing for the past several years. This is seen most pointedly in housing prices.

Over the past year, both purchase and rental prices have jumped by an incredible 19 percent, forcing many tenants to seek alternative accommodations.

But prices are up everywhere. At least in every Jewish town.

So, many Israelis are looking to the Arab towns and villages in their vicinity, and finding that they can rent equally-sized or even larger apartments for half the price.

For example, the average 3-room apartment in Jerusalem and its Jewish environs rents for about 5,500 shekels ($1,500) a month. In the Arab suburb of Abu Ghosh, however, an apartment of the same size can be had for just 3,500 shekels ($995) a month.

While the boost to coexistence is a positive development, unfortunately the rising cost of living is also driving many young Israeli Jews to simply leave the country.